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Rugby League

Hull star Swain retires

10/07/2007

Richard Swain, Hull FC's first-choice hooker, has been forced to retire from rugby league because of a persistent back injury.

The 32-year-old New Zealander, who led the side to their first-ever Super League grand final appearance last year as well as a Challenge Cup victory in 2005, said it was "easily the hardest decision I have had to make".

Swain was due to retire at the end of the season but having not played since early June after being sidelined by the troublesome back problem, he has chosen to bring forward his decision and leave the game behind sooner than he wanted to.

He said: "If it wasn't for a couple of people helping with the decision I wouldn't have been able to make it. I would not have been able to come out of myself and say I need to retire.

"Sharpy [head coach Peter Sharp] was one of those people and I have to thank them for their help and advice."
Looking back, Swain admitted he has had "a fantastic career" and hailed Hull as "the best club I have played for, supporter wise and the way the club have looked after me".

"People might not realise I only came for two years but loved it so much I decided to stay another two years," he continued.

"It is regrettable it has had to end this way but I do know I have given the club everything in the four years I have been here."
Sharp himself described Swain's retirement as "a massive blow".

"He is an outstanding player, a fantastic professional and it has been a privilege and honour to have coached him," he said of the veteran forward.

Hull now face a dilemma in their pack with the news that understudy Wayne Godwin has been ruled out for six weeks with a broken foot.

The club are continuing to push for a post-season berth and are currently seventh in the table, three points behind Wakefield who occupy the final play-off position although Hull have a game in hand.

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